ATP’s Youth Summit Sparks Environmental Innovation: Armenia’s Young Eco-Champions Shine

ATP’s Youth Summit Sparks Environmental Innovation: Armenia’s Young Eco-Champions Shine

ATP’s Youth Summit Sparks Environmental Innovation: Armenia’s Young Eco-Champions Shine

 

On May 15, a dynamic Youth Summit celebrated the environmental achievements of five eco-clubs supported by Armenia Tree Project (ATP). Held amidst a lively gathering of international and local partner organizations, school principals, teachers, and distinguished guests, the summit was a vibrant showcase of creativity and dedication to environmental stewardship.

 

Rousanne Arustamyan, head of ATP's Yerevan office, kicked off the event with inspiring opening remarks, setting an enthusiastic tone for the summit. “Today, we witness the power of youth in driving environmental change,” she said. Following her address, each eco-club presented their unique projects, showcasing innovative solutions ranging from recycling initiatives to educational games.

 

The summit culminated in an exciting award ceremony where eco-clubs were recognized in various categories. Winners were selected by a panel of representatives from partner organizations, based on a comprehensive evaluation of each project. This ensured a fair assessment and celebrated the diverse talents of the young participants.

 

ATP's collaboration with these eco-clubs began in early 2023, focusing on environmental education and capacity building. The foundation organized courses for eco-club members, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle environmental issues in their communities. With ATP's support, these young environmentalists implemented impactful projects, demonstrating tangible results in their areas.

 

Each eco-club presented an inspiring environmental program, underscoring their commitment to sustainability and innovation:

     

Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School Eco-Club: Focused on paper recycling, the students created eco-pens and eco-signs. They also launched a classroom composting project, using the compost to grow microgreens.

     

Dilijan Secondary School #2 Eco-Club: Produced decorative lampshades from recycled paper, which gained popularity and generated several orders, providing a funding source for the club.

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Nor Geghi Village Secondary School Eco-Club: Constructed an outdoor eco-classroom, furnished entirely with items made from waste. This space was used to conduct a series of awareness training sessions for younger students and parents.         School#156 of Yerevan Eco-Club: Developed an educational game focused on the Red Book species and native trees in Armenia, raising awareness about local biodiversity.

     

Nor Kyank Secondary School Eco-Club: Created puppets from waste materials and staged puppet shows with environmental themes, performing for kindergartens and neighboring communities.

 

“The creativity and dedication shown by these students are truly inspiring,” noted one of the summit’s judges. “Their projects are a testament to what young minds can achieve with the right support and education.”

 

The Youth Summit not only highlighted the impressive work done by these young environmentalists but also reinforced the critical role of community involvement in environmental conservation. The projects presented were a vivid demonstration of the students' creativity and commitment, showing that with proper guidance, young people can lead significant environmental change.

 

This summit was a clear demonstration that the future of environmental stewardship is in capable and inspiring hands. With youth like these, the planet's future looks bright.

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As winter recedes, a new season of hope takes root in Armenia. In ATP’s tree nurseries, a quiet urgency fills the air as thousands of seedlings are carefully nurtured, each one a promise of renewal. The forestry team watches closely as the snow melts, knowing that the perfect window for planting is just around the corner. This year, Armenia Tree Project (ATP) will plant an astounding one million trees across Armenia. With this initiative, ATP will surpass a major milestone—9 million trees planted since its inception. To put that into perspective, this is enough to cover an area larger than 1,000 football fields. These plantings are not just about trees; they are about resilience, sustainability, and restoring Armenia’s natural heritage. The spring planting season kicks off in the villages of Bovadzor and Urasar in Lori, then expands to Tsaghkaber, Mets Sariar, Lernakert, and Pemzashen in Shirak, before concluding in Leranist in Kotayk. These regions have been carefully selected for their need for reforestation and their potential to thrive as part of Armenia’s green future. At the heart of this movement are the people who make it possible. Last year, 500 seasonal workers joined ATP’s efforts, many of whom return each year. This spring, 200 tree planters will take on the responsibility of planting half a million trees. Among them are cousins Marine and Armine Gogoryan from Lori, who have dedicated years to tree planting. “Planting trees is like planting hope,” says Marine. “We’ve seen forests rise where there was once nothing. It makes us believe in the future.” Their passion, alongside the tireless efforts of ATP’s forestry teams, has transformed barren lands into thriving forests. Looking back at past plantings—the Hrant Dink Memorial Forest, the Sose and Allen Forest, and the Koghes Forest—it’s clear how far this initiative has come. Once desolate landscapes are now home to lush, growing canopies, proof that long-term commitment yields extraordinary results. Yet, the urgency of reforestation in Armenia has never been greater. Climate change, deforestation, and the displacement of communities have intensified the need for green spaces. Forests act as natural shields against soil erosion, provide oxygen, and help regulate the climate. Every tree planted is a step toward a healthier, more sustainable Armenia. ATP’s mission is gaining recognition beyond Armenia. Environmental organizations worldwide have praised its reforestation model, and global conservation leaders are taking note. With continued support, the impact of these efforts will extend far beyond national borders. You can be part of this transformation. Whether by donating, volunteering, or spreading the word, every contribution helps secure Armenia’s green future. Help ATP plant the seeds of change together by visiting ArmeniaTree.org.
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